Implement Definitive Electoral Reform Now, YIAGA Africa Tasks Tinubu

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A non-governmental organization, Yaiga Africa, has task President Bola Tinubu to implement an electoral reform agenda for the nation that will inspire the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process.

The Executive Director, Yaiga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, while speaking in Abuja on Monday at the presentation of the reflection roundtable on one year after the 2023 general election, stated that one year after the general election, the Tinubu-led administration is yet to declare its stance on the electoral reforms which could affect the public trust even as the 2027 elections draw near.

“The president is yet to make known his stand on electoral reforms and this is one year after the elections. We are waiting for the president to unveil his electoral reform agenda. 

“But also, we call on the judiciary to undertake a self-reflection especially around conflicting judgment that was issued by the judiciary as they are very disturbing and they input on the public trust in the judiciary,” he said. 

Itodo added: “These are some of the issues that we have highlighted, as well as the need to prosecute electoral offenders because if we are constitutional democracy, we must adhere to the laws.” 

He said all the issues must be resolved before the 2027 general election, adding that the 2023 election was a missed opportunity to build trust and confidence on the process. 

He called on citizens especially youths not to lose faith, as there was still hope to fix the country. 

“In spite of the dissatisfaction, we have no country other than this, and they have a role to play. This is a journey and we would get to that destination where a Nigerian’s vote will count,” Itodo said. 

Also speaking, Dr Yunusa Tanko, a one time chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said there was the need to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections. 

Tanko also stressed the need for the full autonomy of local government councils, financing of political parties, improvement of electricity and communication systems and the end to cross carpeting to restore sanity in elections. 

Mr Festus Okoye, a former INEC National Commissioner, advised that more focus should be placed on political parties rather than the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

“The people that perpetrate electoral offences are the elite in the political parties and not INEC. 

“It is the candidates that bring in thugs to disrupt elections and subvert the electoral! laws. It is critical to focus on INEC when the main people committing the crimes are not the electoral body.

“Also, we must find a special way to protect our electoral workers and how to deal with the road transport workers that collect money from people to sabotage the process,” Okoye said. 

Senator Sharafadeen Ali, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said that the 10th National Assembly was poised to conduct a critical assessment on INEC to constitute a significant part of the reform it was undertaking. 

“We are committed to engage political parties and INEC, so as to achieve the conduct of free, fair and credible elections which is what our democracy at this stage truly deserves,” he said.

The 71-page report by Yiaga Africa tagged ‘Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year After the 2023 General Election’, contained other findings and recommendations.